The God You Didn’t Expect

What Is the Bible?

In this first step through Wayne Grudem’s 20 Basics Every Christian Should Know, we begin where everything else begins — with the Bible itself. What exactly is this book that has shaped nations, comforted the broken, and revealed the heart of God? Is it truly the Word of God, or just another ancient collection of writings? In this episode, we uncover the historical reliability of Scripture, the miracle of its preservation through thousands of manuscripts, and why it remains the most trustworthy source of truth in a world drowning in opinion. You’ll see how God still speaks through His Word today — clear, relevant, and alive — and why every other belief we hold depends on what we believe about the Bible. Whether you’re new to faith or have followed Christ for years, this episode will remind you why the Bible isn’t just a book — it’s the foundation of our hope, our faith, and our story.

Why do you believe what you believe?

In a world where everyone has an opinion, most people have never stopped to ask the most important question of all: “Why do I believe what I believe?” This episode of The Cross and the Crowd cuts through cultural noise and church tradition to challenge believers to think deeply about their faith. Are you following Jesus because you’ve met Him personally—or because you inherited someone else’s religion?

Never Stop Growing

“Never Stop Growing: Why Discipleship Still Matters” Somewhere along the way, too many believers stopped growing. We got busy, comfortable, or convinced we already knew enough. But discipleship was never meant to end after salvation — it’s the lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. In this episode, we talk about why so many Christians — even those in ministry — lose their hunger to grow, and how pride quietly kills our teachability. You’ll hear why real discipleship isn’t about classes or titles, but a heart that says, “Lord, teach me again.” If your faith feels stuck, this conversation will remind you that the Christian life doesn’t end at the cross — it begins there.

Forgiveness: The Hardest Sermon You’ll Ever Preach to Yourself

Forgiveness sounds beautiful—until you have to do it. In this honest, heart-level conversation, we'll discuss what might be the hardest thing God ever asks of us: forgiving when it still hurts. Through real-life stories and Scripture, he explores what forgiveness really is (and isn’t), why it’s less about feelings and more about obedience, and how letting go opens the door to real healing. If you’ve ever struggled to move on after betrayal, disappointment, or deep hurt—this episode is for you. It’s not about pretending the pain isn’t real; it’s about learning to trust God with what you can’t control. True freedom begins when you finally believe what He’s already declared: you’re forgiven, loved, and free.

The God You Didn’t Expect

In a world that has edited God down to fit our comfort zones, Mario Toscano takes a hard, honest look at the faith we’ve rebranded—and the God we’ve forgotten. This episode isn’t about religion or rules. It’s about rediscovering the holiness, love, and power of the real God — the One who still burns with compassion, still calls for surrender, and still refuses to be tamed by culture. With urgency and heart, The Cross and the Crowd challenges today’s believer to step out of shallow faith and into something real — because the God you didn’t expect might just be the One you’ve been searching for all along.